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Let me share my favorite pasta recipe that saves me on crazy weeknights. This one pot sausage pasta has everything you want cheesy goodness creamy sauce and juicy sausage all coming together in one pot. My family comes running to the kitchen when they smell this cooking and the best part? Only one pot to wash after dinner!
Why This Recipe Works
This dish has saved my sanity on so many busy nights. You can throw in whatever veggies are sitting in your fridge and even the pickiest kids will clean their plates. The way the cheese melts into that creamy sauce makes it taste like something from your favorite Italian restaurant but it's so much easier on your wallet.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pasta: 12 oz of penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
- Italian Sausage: 1 lb, mild or spicy, based on your preference.
- Cheese: 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan, freshly grated for better melting.
- Garlic and Onions: Minced garlic (3 cloves) and 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Chicken Broth: 3 cups for cooking the pasta.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup for creaminess.
- Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning for flavor.
- Optional Veggies: Fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Sausage
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Brown the sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove it from the pot but leave the drippings.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- Add onions and garlic to the same pot. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until soft and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the sausage.
- Cook the Pasta
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Sausage and Cheese
- Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir in mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce.
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My Secret Tips
Watch your pasta while it cooks. If it looks dry just splash in some extra broth. Trust me spend the extra few minutes to grate your own cheese it makes such a difference. My latest discovery? A spoonful of cream cheese stirred in at the end makes it extra creamy.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use spicy sausage when the kids are at grandma's or toss in whatever veggies need using up. My sister makes it with ground turkey and says it's just as good. Got gluten free folks coming over? Just swap in your favorite gluten free pasta.
Complete Your Meal
We usually have this with a simple salad or some roasted broccoli on the side. My husband loves dunking garlic bread into the sauce. Pour yourself a glass of red wine if you're feeling fancy or keep it casual with your favorite fizzy drink.
Save Some For Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you! They'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just add a splash of milk when you reheat it to keep that creamy sauce. You can even freeze portions for those really busy nights just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Pure Comfort Food
This pasta dish never disappoints. It's become our Monday night tradition when we need something cozy and filling after a long day. The kids literally cheer when they see me pulling out the big pot and honestly the smell of sausage and garlic cooking is better than any air freshener!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why cook pasta in one pot with other ingredients?
- Cooking pasta with the other ingredients lets it absorb all the flavors while cooking. The starch from the pasta also helps create a creamy sauce naturally.
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
- Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or shells. Just keep the cooking time similar to penne and watch the liquid absorption rate.
- → Why should I stir the pasta occasionally?
- Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and helps it cook evenly. It also ensures the sauce coats every piece nicely.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- This dish tastes best fresh since the pasta can absorb more sauce over time. If needed, you can prep the ingredients ahead and cook just before serving.
- → What can I serve with this pasta?
- This hearty dish works well with a simple green salad or garlic bread. You can also add the optional spinach and cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables.